The passengers were of 15 (originally reported as 14) different nationalities:

1. China – 152 plus 1 infant (Chinese media report that the passengers included 24 Chinese artists on their way back from an art exhibition in Malaysia)

2. Malaysia – 38

3. Indonesia – 7 (originally reported as 12)

4. Australia – 7 (four were on a trade mission to China)

5. India – 5

6. France – 3

7. United States of America – 3 plus 1 infant

8. New Zealand – 2

9. Ukraine – 2

10. Canada – 2

11. Russia – 1

12. Italy – 1

13. Taiwan – 1

14. Netherlands – 1

15. Austria – 1

The aircraft’s pilot was Zaharie Ahmad Shah, a 53-year-old Malaysian captain, who has flown more than 18,000 hours. The first officer was Fariq Ab Hamid, 27, also of Malaysia, who has flown more than 2700 hours.

The Malaysia Airways team is currently calling the next-of-kin of passengers and crew. There is a special waiting area for families of passengers and crew atKuala Lumpur International Airport. The area is off limits to the media. More info at Malaysian airlines.